B.C. Hydro’s policies are fair, transparent

Re: “Health firings indicate more serious ailments,” column, May 5.

The claims made by Dermod Travis that there was a conflict of interest when B.C. Hydro awarded Corix the contract to install smart meters are untrue and irresponsible. His facts on the cost of our new meters are also untrue.

B.C. Hydro’s procurement policies are fair, open and transparent. Hydro’s smartmeter contracts were awarded through a transparent, market-driven, competitive process to ensure best value for our customers.

After an extensive, competitive procurement, B.C. Hydro determined that Corix offered the best proposal. They are an expe- rienced vendor and have worked on major smart-meter projects for utilities such as Southern California Edison, FortisAlberta and Oklahoma Gas & Electric.

A disciplined, detailed and rigorous protocol is in place to ensure that B.C. Hydro board members and staff are never in a position of perceived or real conflict of interest. Board member Tracey McVicar’s involvement was entirely consistent and respectful of the board’s code of conduct. She declared her potential conflict of interest and did not vote on the decision to award the contract to Corix.

As for cost, if you compare apples to apples and compare elements of B.C. Hydro’s program with similar elements to the Hydro-Québec or Ontario programs, the cost of our meters works out to be similar — about $200 each. This figure includes the meter, installation and data-management system.

B.C. Hydro has installed 1.93 million meters. The project was completed more than $150 million under budget.

Keith Anderson

Vice-president of customer service B.C. Hydro